Some of us may be aware that in the past, Eastern and Western Christian traditions did not share common dates for Y’shua’s death and resurrection. This originated from the use of the 16th century Gregorian calendar (Western church tradition), and the Julian calendar (Eastern, primarily Orthodox practice). Ironically, that is rooted in the calculation of time – the difference of seconds that impacts observances for lifetimes.
What we agree on however, is that there was a literal death and resurrection of Y’shua Jesus. With the biblical narrative connecting it to the feast of the Passover, we also know that we are often correct in terms of the general timing of the event, the Sunday following the first full moon of Spring. This year, we are actually observing the Resurrection on the same day, Sunday April 20, which means that we observe the occurrences leading to His crucifixion and resurrection this week.
That being said, I invite us to reflect on Today’s Holy Nougat, which is set within the context of this Holy season.
Matthew 27:42 AMP
[42] “He saved others [from death]; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him and acknowledge Him.
Skeptical
It had been a loooooooooong night in the city of David. The place was literally up in arms. Yes, it was the time of Passover, being the days leading up to the Holy feast, but there was going to be an execution. Opinions were somewhat mixed, but one fact was constant. Y’shua had been tried, named guilty and hung before the public on a cross. As He awaited death, his followers recounted some of the taunts. They mostly covered the same ground; Jesus was a charlattan, and His time of reckoning had come.
Self-Check
Have you ever stopped to think about literally being there at Golgotha? Not just going through the motions of the re-enactment as we do annually, but trying to place yourself in the crowd and thinking through what that means. I have. And sometimes, I’m not sure that I would have been a good disciple. I have wondered whether I would have been among the mockers. How about you?
Application
Siblings, the mockers included ordinary people (perhaps some from His hometown, who couldn’t wait for Jesus’ comeuppance), religious leaders (He was a threat to their authority), and civil servants of the day. In one sense who they were doesn’t matter, they were just people who doubted Y’shua’s divinity. But when we listen to what they said, the open condemnation, jeering, and absence of compassion, we can’t help but wonder. At those times, there is a temptation to return the favour, by condemning them, perhaps even sentencing them to eternity in Hell. Maybe that’s where they are going.
But,
In light of their mistrust, jealousy, fear, they had allowed themselves to become skeptics. Some may even have meant it when they said that they would believe in Jesus if/when He passed the ultimate test – that of saving Himself. The irony is that there was a timing issue. Not of seconds really, but of days. THREE Days, in fact.
You see, they were looking for an earthly saviour, who could rescue them from the evil power of Pax Romana. They missed the fact that Y’shua Jesus is The Eternal Saviour, rescuing us from the snare of our immortal enemy – the devil. Rescuing us demanded that Y’shua conquered death. So He HAD to Die! That was the only way to free those who lived up to the time of His literal, physical incarnation; those who were alive and with Him then, and us who needed proof because we weren’t there. We all were in need of His salvific act. And it didn’t end at the Cross, but was effected through the Cross, His public execution.
It is possible that some recanted after the skies darkened, the veil tore, and faithful dead were seen in the city (as witnesses to His power over Death from the moment He died) up through to Y’shua’s Resurrection. The centurion and his troops who oversaw the crucifixion were convinced (see Matthew 27:54). They declared Him the Son of God. Others remained unconvinced.
Here, in 2025, there are many who remain skeptical. Are we convinced?
Point to Ponder
What proof do we have that Y’shua Jesus IS the Son of God? How are we helping others move past their skepticism?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
